January 30, 2009
4:34 PM
Energy/Alternative Energy
On Monday, president Barack Obama outlined his energy priorities for America, calling for greater fuel efficiency and a move toward a new energy economy. Mr. Obama underscored the urgency of the energy situation in this country and the need for a dramatic change in policy, saying the country can no longer be held "hostage to dwindling resources, hostile regimes, and a warming planet". He made it very clear that he is committed to reversing America's dependence on foreign oil and creating a new energy paradigm that will advance domestic security and boost the damaged economy with the creation of millions of new jobs. The president stated specifically his support for cleaner, sustainable sources of energy that can be produced domestically, such as wind, solar, and biodiesel, and announced the three-year goal of doubling the capacity for the generation of these "greener" technologies. Mr. Obama also moved to reverse a single, national standard for vehicle emissions, insisting instead that states should set their own emission standards. Ambitious new rules Obama wants to put in place would mean that new cars and trucks produced by 2011 must obtain 35 miles mpg or better.
President Obama made it clear that his administration's policies will be a significant break from the Bush administration's; this is very welcome news, indeed. Instead of denying the prospect of a warming planet, Obama openly acknowledges this fact, and stated that his administration "will not deny facts. We will be guided by them." I believe that this is one of the first significant steps toward a major global shift in energy production and consumption. Of course, the success of these new policies relies in part on the ability of the American people to adapt to a changing world--something that has always proved trying in this country. It is important that we recognize our past mistakes and make the necessary sacrifices to solve these problems. I foresee a future in which the world is guided by the ideals of sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Why? Because these are good ideas, and good ideas always have a tendency to prevail in the end.
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